Portrait Photography 101: 7 Tips for Taking Stunning Portraits

Great portraits don’t just convey basic visual information about how a given person looked at a particular point in time. They also seem to capture a piece of the subject’s essence as if by magic. What’s more, they do this in a way that shows skill, creativity, and vision on the part of the photographer.

Anyone can point their camera and take a quick snapshot of another person, but it takes know-how and ingenuity to create really good portrait photography. Here we’ll go over a few must-know tips that will really help your pictures make the grade. You’ll see yours go from “good” to “wow” in no time.

1. Photograph your subject in their element.

If you’re attempting to shoot a subject that just isn’t comfortable in a given setting, you know it almost instantly. The person is visibly uncomfortable in a way that can’t help but show up on film, leading to strained, less than stellar shots.

Photographing people doing things they love in an environment where they’re comfortable makes all the difference in the world. Consider shooting painters or sculptors in their studios while they’re hard at work on a new masterpiece. Take the fussiness and tears out of the equation by shooting children playing with their toys or siblings. It’s a great way to score shots that aren’t just interesting, but genuine as well.

2. Play with the concept of power by shooting from different angles.

One of the most common mistakes people make with children’s portraits is shooting the subject from a normal standing height. Portraits like this can really lack that “wow” factor you’re looking for because we always see children from far above. Instead, try getting down on the child’s own level first and check out the difference in your finished shots.

On a similar note, you can make a given subject look more or less powerful by shooting from either above them or below them. Taking some shots of a local community hero? Try shooting from a lower angle to really highlight what they mean to the community. Want a shot of a writer friend that highlights what a huge role words play in her life? Shoot her from directly above while she’s surrounded by her typewriter, computer, and manuscripts.

3. Create contrast between clothing and location.

Another thing to keep in mind when shooting portraits is the way your subject’s clothing looks against your background. Shooting a bride-to-be that’s dressed in a bright pink sundress? Create contrast by choosing something muted in tone for the background (i.e. light-colored brick walls or greyish rocks at the beach).

This reasoning works just as well when reversed. Keep subjects wearing muted, neutral clothing from almost literally blending into the background by shooting them against a colorful backdrop so that they pop (i.e. a bright blue sky or a field filled with brightly colored flowers).

Help models drop their guard by using props.

As touched on above, we can’t all be hams that positively live for having our photos taken. Some of us need a little extra help. The next time you find yourself dealing with a model that’s nervous or uncomfortable, think fast, introduce a prop, and watch how quickly they relax.

For instance, you can pick a flower or grab a feather and ask the subject to play with it a little. You can hand a toy or a stuffed animal to a child or gives couples a tasty treat to enjoy together. Be creative! Keep in mind that the prop doesn’t necessarily have to make it into the frame (although that can sometimes look pretty awesome as well).

Know how to talk to your subject.

The most effective way to get the best out of your subject when taking portraits is to make them feel good. Get them laughing, or playing, or doing something that makes them feel comfortable. You can also pay them a sincere compliment. Everyone likes to be complimented or told how photogenic they are.

Never tell a subject they look uptight, or nervous, or stiff. Don’t order them to loosen up either. If someone’s already feeling a little camera shy, the last thing they want to hear is that they don’t look good. In fact, it’s pretty much a guarantee that their nerves will become ten times worse.

Understand that you can’t get around good lighting.

Your finished portraits are ultimately only going to be as good as your lighting and there’s no way around that fact. This doesn’t mean you’re doomed to only shoot lackluster, mediocre photos if you don’t have a professional lighting set-up though. You just need to know how to make the most of the light you do have.

Shooting a subject indoors in the middle of the day? Natural light inside a home or other building when the sun is high and bright isn’t always flattering. Consider positioning your subject in front of a window. They do an excellent job of diffusing light and softening it to perfection. Shooting outdoors on a day when the light is far from its best? Face your subject away from the sun to keep their face from looking too dim.

Shoot what you love.

Knowing how to get what you want out of your models is only part of the equation when it comes to shooting amazing portraits. It’s just as important that you as the photographer enjoy what you’re doing. Always choose subjects, themes, and shooting styles that suit who you are as an artist.

Are you a serious, by the book type? You’re probably at your best in a traditional studio doing classic shoots. Are you fun-loving, extroverted, and energetic? You’ll probably thrive shooting inquisitive models in fun, carefree settings that bring out the best in both of you.

At the end of the day, your portraits may be shots of other people, but they’re also a reflection of who you are as an artist. That said, choosing to create photographs you’re truly passionate about isn’t just important. It’s the best way to reach your full potential.